Balimela,July 24 UDN}: Rath Yatra, one of the most famous and significant festivals of Odisha, was celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm in the Balikshetra area of Balimela. The festival is not merely a religious occasion; it is a magnificent symbol of devotion, faith, surrender, unity, and universal brotherhood. The Rath Yatra is traditionally observed every year on the second day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashadha.
The spirit and influence of the festival were clearly visible in Balikshetra, Balimela. The Rath Yatra of the three deities, which has reportedly been celebrated here for many years, witnessed the gathering of hundreds of devotees, worshippers, and local residents. Following all traditional rituals and religious customs, the three deities were ceremonially brought out in Pahandi and placed on their respective chariots by the servitors and devotees.
As soon as devotees and worshippers had the opportunity to have darshan of the three deities, the entire Balimela area reverberated with the chants of “Jai Jagannath.” The atmosphere became deeply devotional with the rhythmic sounds of mridanga, bells, cymbals, and devotional chanting.
After the Chief Engineer of the Potteru Irrigation Project performed the traditional sweeping ritual, known as Chhera Pahara, the pulling of the chariots began. People of all age groups, from children to the elderly, were seen enthusiastically pulling the ropes of the chariots and participating in the sacred procession.
After the chariots reached the Gundicha Temple, devotees were allowed to have darshan of the deities. Offerings and prasad brought by the devotees were also offered and worshipped as part of the rituals. Later, after devotees completed their darshan, the deities were ceremonially carried in Pahandi by the Brahmin servitors to the Mausima Temple during the night.
To ensure that no untoward incident occurred during the festival, the Orkel Police, under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge Debadatta Mallik, made extensive security arrangements and remained alert throughout the event. Members and volunteers of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh also extended their full cooperation in the smooth conduct of the Rath Yatra.
Personnel from the Electricity Department, Fire Services, and volunteers were also present at the venue and contributed to the safe and orderly management of the festival. The Rath Yatra in Balimela was thus celebrated with immense devotion, communal harmony, and a strong spirit of brotherhood, bringing together people from all sections of society in the sacred celebration of Lord Jagannath.
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